Eurordis - Rare Disease Europe

New publication explores how patients and doctors in Bulgaria approach treatment cost discussions

This article published in Pharmacia explores the sensitive but increasingly relevant question: Should treatment costs be discussed between patients and clinicians – and under what conditions?

The study, conducted as part of the now-completed HTx (Next Generation Health Technology Assessment) project, presents findings from focus groups held in Bulgaria with people living with cancer, multiple sclerosis and diabetes. It is the first in a series of national focus group reports, with further publications expected – including results from a French group involving people living with a rare disease.

Key insights from the Bulgarian participants include:

• A general openness to discussing costs, particularly when they impact access or adherence.
• The importance of transparent, respectful, and clinically meaningful communication.
• Concerns that cost discussions may create inequities or place undue pressure on patients and families.
• Discomfort among clinicians due to lack of training and real-time cost information.